It started with a crackling sound from the kitchen, drawing me in as familiar aromas floated through the air. I knew it was time for Mama’s Potato Soup with Sausages, a dish that wraps you in warmth like a cozy blanket on a cold winter day. This beloved family recipe not only comforts the soul but also boasts the incredible perk of being ready in just 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings. Packed with hearty ingredients like tender potatoes and savory sausages, this potato soup is a delightful crowd-pleaser that will leave hearts full and bellies satisfied. Curious to dive into this soulful dish with just a few simple steps? Let’s get started!
Why is Potato Soup a Family Favorite?
Comforting Warmth: Nothing says “home” quite like a bowl of creamy potato soup on a chilly evening. This recipe envelops you in warmth and comfort, making it a go-to meal for the whole family.
Quick and Easy: With just a 20-minute preparation time, you can whip up this hearty soup in no time—ideal for busy weeknights!
Versatile Options: Feel free to mix it up! You can easily switch out sausages or toss in your favorite veggies to customize this recipe.
Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: Rich and savory, this potato soup strikes the perfect balance between creamy texture and hearty ingredients that kids and adults love alike.
Memorable Moments: Sharing this traditional family recipe fosters memorable moments around the dinner table and brings everyone closer, making it a staple in your home.
Serve alongside a slice of crusty buttered bread for a complete meal or explore other warm comfort foods like Thai Chicken Soup for additional cozy options!
Potato Soup Ingredients
• Get ready for a fulfilling cooking experience as we gather these simple ingredients for a delicious pot of potato soup!
For the Soup Base
- Kartoffeln (Potatoes) – 2 kg of waxy or floury potatoes provide the hearty texture that makes this soup so comforting.
- Zwiebeln (Onions) – 2-3 medium-sized onions will add aromatic depth, enhancing the dish’s overall flavor.
- Suppengemüse (Soup Vegetables) – A bundle of fresh or a 200g pack of frozen mix brings nutritious goodness and extra flavor to the soup.
- Durchwachsener Speck (Bacon) – About 100g of diced bacon adds a smoky note that perfectly complements the potatoes.
- Gemüsebrühe (Vegetable Broth) – Using homemade broth, if possible, serves as the flavorful base, ensuring all ingredients are nicely submerged.
For Cooking
- Rapsöl (Rapeseed Oil) – A drizzle of oil is all you need for sautéing, helping to build a savory foundation for your soup.
For Protein and Seasoning
- Würstchen (Sausages) – 4-5 sausages (or alternatives) add heartiness and protein; consider variations for different flavors!
- Gewürze (Spices) – Season with salt, pepper, and thyme; adjust to taste for a perfectly balanced flavor profile.
Gather these ingredients, and get ready to create a memorable family meal with this delightful potato soup recipe!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Mama’s Hearty Potato Soup with Sausages
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetables
Begin by peeling and dicing 2 kg of potatoes into small cubes, aiming for uniform pieces for even cooking. Next, chop your selected soup vegetables or open a pack of frozen mix after ensuring you have all ingredients ready. This preparation is essential for a smooth cooking process, so be thorough here!
Step 2: Dice the Bacon and Onions
Next, take about 100g of bacon and dice it into small bits. Finely chop 2-3 medium-sized onions, releasing their aromatic essence. Set these aside until you’re ready to bring them into the pot, as they will add richness to your potato soup.
Step 3: Sauté the Bacon and Onions
In a large pot, heat a drizzle of rapeseed oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the diced bacon and sauté it until it becomes crispy—this should take about 4-5 minutes. Then, stir in the chopped onions and cook until they are translucent, about another 3 minutes, inviting delicious aromas into your kitchen.
Step 4: Add Vegetables
Once the bacon and onions are nicely cooked, toss in the chopped soup vegetables. Sauté them briefly for 2-3 minutes, allowing their flavors to mingle and the mixture to become fragrant. This step will enhance the overall flavor profile of your delicious potato soup.
Step 5: Pour in the Broth
Next, pour in enough vegetable broth to fully submerge the mixture, approximately 1.5 liters. Season generously with salt, pepper, and thyme to taste. Bring this delightful concoction to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing the flavors to blend beautifully for about 1-2 minutes.
Step 6: Simmer Until Tender
Reduce the heat to low and let the soup simmer for about 25 minutes. Keep an eye on it until the potatoes are fork-tender, softening into the creamy base of your potato soup. The aroma filling your kitchen will surely be heavenly as the soup bubbles away.
Step 7: Incorporate the Sausages
As the potatoes soften, slice 4-5 sausages of your choice and gently add them to the pot. Stir well, allowing them to heat through for another 5 minutes. This addition enriches the potato soup with protein while infusing it with a savory warmth, making it delightful and filling.
Step 8: Serve Hot
Once everything is heated and combined, serve the potato soup hot in bowls, ideally accompanied by crusty buttered bread. The final result should be a comforting, rich soup that is both hearty and satisfying, perfect for cozy gatherings or cold winter nights.
Expert Tips for Potato Soup
• Puréed or Chunky?: Decide on the soup’s texture early. If you prefer a smooth potato soup, blend the mixture before adding the sausages back in.
• Vegetable Variations: Don’t hesitate to get creative! You can mix in other vegetables like carrots or leeks to enhance both flavor and nutrition.
• Cooking Time Matters: Ensure the potatoes are fork-tender before serving. Undercooked potatoes can result in a chalky texture, diminishing the creamy experience.
• Use Homemade Broth: For the best flavor, use homemade vegetable broth if possible. Store-bought versions may contain preservatives that can alter the taste.
• Sausage Swaps: Explore different sausage options! Chicken sausage or smoked varieties can add unique flavors to your potato soup, keeping it exciting each time you make it.
Make Ahead Options
These Mama’s Potato Soup with Sausages is perfect for meal prep! You can chop the potatoes and soup vegetables up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. Additionally, you can cook the bacon and onions, allowing the flavors to meld, then refrigerate for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to serve, heat the sautéed mixture in a pot, add the prepped vegetables and enough vegetable broth to cover. Simmer until everything is tender, stirring in the sausages at the end, and you’ll have a delightful potato soup ready to warm your family with minimal effort!
How to Store and Freeze Potato Soup
Fridge: Store leftover potato soup in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Allow the soup to cool before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezer: While freezing isn’t ideal for preserving the texture of potatoes, if you must, transfer cooled soup to a freezer-safe container and store for up to 2 months.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess.
Make-Ahead: This potato soup is perfect for meal prep! Make in advance, as it tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld beautifully together.
What to Serve with Mama’s Potato Soup with Sausages
Serving up warmth and delight in every bite of this creamy potato soup makes for the perfect family feast!
- Crusty Buttered Bread: The ideal companion, its crispy exterior and soft inside complement the soup’s creamy texture beautifully while soaking in all those delightful flavors.
- Fresh Green Salad: A crisp salad adds a refreshing contrast to the rich soup, bringing a lightness that will leave you feeling balanced and satisfied.
- Sautéed Greens: Quick-cooked spinach or kale brings a vibrant color and nutritious element to your meal while enhancing the overall flavor profile.
- Pickled Vegetables: Serving tangy pickles adds a punch of flavor that brightens up the comforting nature of the potato soup, enhancing its comforting goodness.
- Cheddar Cheese: Sprinkle a generous handful of shredded sharp cheddar over the soup before serving, as the melty goodness creates a heavenly bite that pairs perfectly.
- Herbed Rice: A side of herbed rice not only absorbs the soup’s rich broth but also adds texture and an aromatic experience, transforming the meal into something truly special.
- Apple Crisp: Wrap up your cozy dinner with a warm apple crisp for dessert; the sweetness and crunch will be a delightful contrast to the savory soup, leaving everyone happily satisfied.
- Hot Apple Cider: Pour a warm glass of spiced apple cider to drink alongside the meal; its sweet and tangy flavors will complement the savory soup, enriching each bite.
Potato Soup Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative and make this delightful potato soup truly yours with these fun variations!
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Sausage Swap: Try using chicken or turkey sausages to lighten the dish while adding unique flavor.
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Vegetarian Delight: Substitute the sausages with plant-based sausage or chickpeas for a delectable vegetarian version.
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Broth Alternatives: Use chicken broth for a richer taste or a light vegetable broth for a healthier, vegan-friendly option.
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Herb Infusion: Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley at the end of cooking for a refreshing burst of flavor and aroma.
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Creamy Twist: For an even richer texture, stir in a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of sour cream right before serving.
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Spice it Up: Sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat.
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Texture Play: Try adding lentils or barley for added texture and nutrition, transforming the soup into a hearty meal.
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Veggie Boost: Toss in additional vegetables like carrots, bell peppers, or green beans during the sauté phase for extra nutrition and color.
As you craft your unique potato soup, consider complementing it with sides like Loaded Potato Taco Bowls or indulge in a warm bowl of Thai Chicken Soup for a delightful array of flavors!
Mama’s Hearty Potato Soup with Sausages Recipe FAQs
What type of potatoes work best for potato soup?
Absolutely! For the best creamy texture, I recommend using waxy or floury potatoes, like Yukon Gold or Russets. These types break down nicely in the soup, providing a hearty base. Try to use about 2 kg for a satisfying batch!
How should I store leftover potato soup?
You can store leftover potato soup in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Make sure to let the soup cool before sealing it, as this helps maintain its freshness. When you’re ready to enjoy, just reheat it on the stovetop over low heat.
Can I freeze potato soup?
Yes, you can freeze the soup, but keep in mind that freezing may alter the texture of the potatoes. If you’re okay with that, place the cooled soup in a freezer-safe container, ensuring it’s well-sealed. It can last up to 2 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat gently on the stove, adding a splash of broth or water to restore creaminess.
What if I want a smoother texture for my potato soup?
Very good question! If you’d like your potato soup to be smooth, simply blend the soup in a blender or use an immersion blender before adding the sausages back in. This will create a creamy texture that is deeply satisfying while ensuring those delicious flavors are well-mixed.
Are there any dietary considerations with this recipe?
For sure! If you’re cooking for someone with dietary restrictions, you can customize this recipe easily. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian option, and swap out sausages for plant-based varieties. Always check spice labels for allergens. Additionally, be cautious about the ingredients if cooking for pets, as onions and garlic can be harmful to them.
What kind of variations can I make to this potato soup recipe?
The more the merrier! Feel free to get creative by adding in other vegetables like carrots or leeks for added nutrition and flavor. You can also try different types of sausages, such as chicken or smoked sausages, to change up the taste. Adding spices like paprika or fresh herbs can elevate the flavors even more!
Creamy Potato Soup for a Cozy Night In
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Prepare the vegetables by peeling and dicing the 2 kg of potatoes into small cubes.
- Dice the 100g of bacon and finely chop the 2-3 onions.
- Sauté the bacon in rapeseed oil for about 4-5 minutes until crispy, then add the onions and cook for another 3 minutes.
- Add the soup vegetables and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Pour in the vegetable broth to fully submerge the mixture, seasoning generously with salt, pepper, and thyme. Simmer for 1-2 minutes.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 25 minutes until the potatoes are tender.
- Slice the sausages and add them to the pot, heating through for another 5 minutes.
- Serve hot in bowls with crusty buttered bread.
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